- Certifier :
- LRQA (Seafood) Limited
- Certified status :
- Suspended
- Certified since :
- 08 Nov 2011
- Certificate expires :
- 08 Sep 2027
Overview
Fisheries are composed of one or more parts, each of which is entitled to receive an MSC certificate. These parts or “units” are defined by their target stock(s), fishing gear type(s) and if relevant vessel type(s), and the fishing fleets or groups of vessels.
When the term “Unit of Certification” is used for fishing units that are in assessment, it refers to the “Unit of Assessment” or “Unit of potential certification”. Expand a status below to view the parts that form this fishery. To check the detailed scope, download the latest certificate or open the Assessments page to get the latest report. Find out more by visiting our page on Fisheries
Catch by Species
| Species | Reported Catch Year | Metric Tonnes |
|---|---|---|
| Seabob shrimp (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) | 2022 | 1,750 |
Information is provided by an independent Conformity Assessment Body as live weight (the weight of species at the time of catch, before processing) and where a fishing season covers multiple years, the end year is given as the reported catch year. Additional information is available in the latest report, see the assessments page.
Eligibility, client groups and vessel lists
A fishery may choose to define the members of the fishery certificate. These members can be vessels or other client group members (e.g. companies that own vessels and/or companies that are named as eligible to handle certified product covered within the fishery certificate scope). Please refer to the fishery certificate statement on additional product specific eligibility criteria (e.g. product eligibility limitations, eligibility date, exclusive points of landing and the point where Chain of Custody certificate is required). Please consult the fishery Public Certification Report for product eligibility rationale.
| Documents | Published on | Files |
|---|---|---|
| Vessel List | 15 Sep 2022 | 1 files |
About this Fishery
A total of 22 vessels operate in this fishery in the shallow coastal waters of Suriname, within the Guiana-Brazil Large Marine Ecosystem. It was certified in 2011.
Twin rig otter trawls are used to harvest the seabob shrimp, a relatively fast-growing decapod crustacean which reaches a maximum size of around 140mm. (typical adult sizes are considerably smaller, with females significantly larger than males). In the Suriname fleet, a small ‘try net’ is used to assess the potential catch, both before and periodically during the haul.
The initiative for certification came from the largest shrimp processor in Europe. In response, the fishermen and the Suriname government worked with conservation organisations to set up a working group to oversee fishing practices; and took measures to reduce bycatch such as a device to allow young and small fish to escape the net. Larger fish, rays and turtles also escape through a hatch. The licence for the seabob fishery now makes two escape panels compulsory.
A reduced bycatch also makes the work on board easier, as less sorting is required. Local fishermen are reaping the benefits of long-term sustainability, and have reached out to colleagues in neighbouring Guyana, who are keen to follow their example and achieve MSC certification.
“We hope that our example will be followed throughout the region. A larger supply contributes to building up a good market for MSC certified seabob shrimp.”
- Chris Meskens, seabob project leader
Suriname seabob shrimp image © Nathalie Steins - MSC
Market Information
Between 2001 and 2010, landings ranged from 8,000 to 12,000 tonnes. Shrimp products are sold into European and North American markets.